I've read good things about Konica Hexanons, how about others? I'm totally new to SLR shooting so I don't even know where to start!

Ideally I'd be shooting portraits and scenery where I actually have time to think about the shot and frame it correctly. Reason why I want a legacy lens is just really to be able to learn how to focus manually and just find out more about photography in general - if you know what i mean.

There's a ton of choices in the affordable 50mm f1.4 - f1.8 range. I have the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f1.4, many people have Canon FD 50mm f1.4. Pop 50mm f1.4 into ebay and you'll see many choices. Many in the $25-$75 range.

I'm very happy with the quality of the 50mm SSC - it's my favorite manual focus lens so far. Excellent low light shooter. Only minor downside is the large size and heft (compared to native m43 lenses... then again, the Canon lens is not plastic!).

I've read good things about Konica Hexanons, how about others? I'm totally new to SLR shooting so I don't even know where to start!

Ideally I'd be shooting portraits and scenery where I actually have time to think about the shot and frame it correctly. Reason why I want a legacy lens is just really to be able to learn how to focus manually and just find out more about photography in general - if you know what i mean.

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I had a bag full of old Canon FD lenses, added an adaptor from ebay at A$25 and "bob's your uncle". Check out the local "garage sales" as we call them in Australia. You should be able to easily find what you need. BUT be aware they operate manually for focussing and auto exposure on apeture prioritory only.
Not really easy to use but fun if you've the time and inclination
Cheers
DUD

If you want to go really cheap then a 50/2 lens could be a good place to start ($10-$20). And if you don't like the focal length you are not out much.

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I just started with MF 28, 50, 135, 200 mm to play, but am already sure I get used to 2-3 nice AF primes next to zooms covering "full" range, which focal lenghts indeed needs some playing around (but on M43 not much AF to select from yet).

There are so many options since just about every manufacturer made a good 50mm lens. Depends what you want in a portrait lens. Some lenses like the Konica 50/1.7 are cheap and high quality but its soooo sharp that it might not suit for portraits. I like something that can produce a nice smooth OOF background.

Personally, I like the Pentax Super Takumar 55/1.8, 50/1.4 and the Helios 44 58/2.

Hi folks, I have query similar to the OP's and would appreciate your advices.

Recently, to complement my panasonic 20mm f1.7 pancake lens, I bought a konica AR 40mm f1.8, but find it too soft wide open and I dislike the somewhat harsh bokeh. I also got the AR 85mm f1.8, but its weight on top of the adapter unbalance the camera. I should have researched this more before buying, they're going back on ebay.

All I want now is a fast lens that is relatively sharp wide open with a bokeh that is nice on the eye and a focal length in the 35mm to 58mm range. And not too heavy if possible. Am I asking too much?

Would a super takumar 50 f1.4 fit the bill? Is there a non-radioactive version btw? I don't want to get into the UV de-yellowing phase if possible.

The issue is not my watch nor safety, I just don't want to buy a lens that has a brownish back element due to 40 years of thorium decay and then be forced to buy a UV lamp or expose it to sunlight for weeks. If I pay $75+ for a lens, I want it to be clear out of the box.